Change of chairman for Gala Fairydean Rovers
A change of chairman has been agreed at Gala Fairydean Rovers, with Ryan Cass stepping down after seven years in that post and former vice-chairman Thomas Brown taking over.
That move was given the thumbs-up at the Scottish Lowland Football League East club’s 2026 annual general meeting last Wednesday.
Cass took over from Kevin Temple as chairman in 2018 not long after the Netherdale Stadium club’s 1964-opened main grandstand had been closed for safety reasons due to the concrete it was constructed of crumbling but went on to help bring about its reopening, following a £1.45m restoration, in 2022 and on-field successes including winning the East of Scotland Cup in 2023, the club’s first trophy since their relaunch in their current incarnation in 2013.
“When I first took on the role back in 2018, the club faced some major challenges,” Cass, remaining with the club as director of football, told last week’s meeting.
“Our main stand had effectively been condemned, and the Lowland league gave us a clear ultimatum – install a minimum of 100 seats or risk losing our place in the league.
“Securing the other stand from Selkirk proved to be a turning point and ultimately saved our place in the Lowland league.
“Behind the scenes, countless hours were spent working with Scottish Borders Council to ensure ownership of the stand could be transferred and it could be restored.
“Since then, we’ve transformed the club’s facilities. We now have one of the finest artificial playing surfaces in Scotland, refurbished changing rooms that meet the standards of league football and a ground that everyone connected with Gala Fairydean Rovers can be proud to call home.
“On the pitch, we’ve enjoyed some unforgettable moments.
“We’ve achieved the highest league finish in the club’s history, sixth place, reached three cup finals and lifted the East of Scotland Cup with a memorable victory over Linlithgow Rose.
“One of the things I’m proudest of is the role the club have played in developing players and staff.
“We’ve broken our transfer record with the sales of Ciaran Greene and Zander Murray, welcomed talented loan players such as Ruari Paton, Jamie Gullan and current Scotland Under-21 goalkeeper Ruairidh Adams and helped provide opportunities for players to progress their careers.
“Seeing former player Callum Hall playing full-time football in Hong Kong against Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi and a world-class squad, was a proud moment for everyone associated with the club.
“Likewise, seeing Neil Hastings move into full-time football with Livingston and, more recently, Stevie Craig join Gillingham as assistant manager demonstrates the quality of people our club continue to produce.
“I have absolutely no doubt that our current manager, Martin Scott, has the ability to follow them into full-time football in the near future.
“Today, Gala Fairydean Rovers are recognised as a club where players, coaches and staff can develop and a genuine stepping stone into the professional game.
“That reputation is something everyone connected with the club should be incredibly proud of.
“Equally important has been building a clear pathway for local players. From our youngest teams right through to the newly formed under-20s and into the first team, we’ve stayed true to the philosophy we introduced back in 2013, developing young talent while playing an exciting brand of football that the town can be proud of.
“Our invitation to compete in the KDM Evolution Trophy is another landmark achievement. It reflects just how far the club have progressed and gives us the opportunity to welcome Scottish Professional Football League opposition to Netherdale.
“None of these achievements would have been possible without the support of so many people.
“It has been an absolute privilege to serve as chairman of this fantastic football club. I’m immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved together but I genuinely believe the best is still to come.”
“I look forward to continuing the journey as director of football, supporting Thomas Brown, the new board and everyone involved as Gala Fairydean Rovers continue to move forward.”
Last week’s meeting also saw the club approve an increase in admission prices for the 2026-27 season to £12 for adults and £8 for concessions, as well as hearing a financial report revealing a loss of £5,749 last financial year, attributed to a 2-1 first-round Scottish Cup exit away to Linlithgow Rose last September, increased fees for match official and reduced Scottish Football Association licence funding.
As well as Lowland league chairman Brown taking over the same job in Galashiels, John Cassidy was elected as vice-chairman, Stuart Rae as treasurer, Robert Fairburn as secretary and Debi Ritchie as match secretary.